Our Environment has Become a Toxic Minefield
We live in a toxic world. There are over 90,000 chemicals used in various industries and over 2,000 new chemicals being introduced annually.
Our water supply is dangerously contaminated. We breathe in these chemicals through exhaust,
eat them in our processed foods, textiles such as clothing, bedding, carpets, and use toxic personal care products,
including highly toxic cosmetics, deodorant, shampoos, and soaps.
Toxins accumulate in our fat cells if they are not eliminated and interrupt normal bodily functions. When toxins disrupt normal function,
we get sick. Those illness include cancers, auto-immune diseases, neurological conditions like autism,
ADHD, and Parkinson's disease as well as obesity,
diabetes and heart disease.
While our immune system can detoxify and
eliminate many of the toxins we are exposed to each day, it can only do
so much. If we are exposed to more toxins than our immune system can process
and eliminate, these toxins accumulate in body tissues. As toxins accumulate
in our bodies, cells and tissues begin to degenerate. When this happens
symptoms arise."
It is estimated that about 20 million pounds of mercury flows into the sea each year,
about half from industrial and half form natural sources. 250,000 pounds per year are
used by dentists in the United States alone. Mercury is very poisonous in all forms.
Cadmium is now everywhere:In the air, in water, in our food. Every day we consume
about 20 micro grams into our body. Dental amalgam, the
material in silver tooth fillings, contains approximately 50 per cent
of the highly toxic heavy metal mercury. But is it safe to put so much
Mercury, the most toxic non-radioactive metal known to man, into the mouth
of a person?
Nuclear fallout literally falls from the sky and can eventually end
up in our soil, our water, and our food supply. This silent killer is everywhere
present and we are daily exposed to it in our technical world and in our
atmosphere. Clay has been successfully for the extraction of radionuclides
from human beings and animals. Radiation in
excess results in flu-like symptoms and definitely affects the throat or thyroid area as other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Toxicity In Humans and Animals
Toxins suppress your body's self healing mechanism causing sickness, low energy levels, anxieties,
weight gain, and many other negative health conditions.
J. K.Paulsen, M.D. - "The body naturally manufactures fat in
abundance to incarcerate and absorb chemicals and toxins that accumulate
over time. As you cleanse the body, one can expect fat and inches to be substantially reduced."
Toxic intestinal cells can result in poor absorption of nutrients, a leaky gut wall, or sluggish
bowel movements and food allergies. Since over 70% of our immune system
is in the lining of the small intestine (called the GALT, Gut Associated Lymphoid
Tissue), our overall immunity may be compromised because of the toxic intestinal cells
Various symptoms of toxicity include headache, fatigue, congestion, backaches, aching or swollen
joints, digestive problems, allergy symptoms, and sensitivity to chemicals,
perfumes, and synthetics. Others list constipation, hemorrhoids, mood changes,
ulcers, psoriasis, and acne as common symptoms.
The symptoms of chronic cadmium intoxication are: high blood
pressure, sore joints, back pain, osteoporoses, anemia, and decreased fertility.
As early as 1974 in Florence, Italy, at the Congress of the World Health Organization, attention was drawn to the fact that
60-80% of the environmental toxins, which includes heavy metals, contribute
to many diseases like neuro-dermitis, autoimmune disorders, allergies etc.
Research in Switzerland has shown that chelate-assisted elimination of
lead may reduce the occurrence of certain cancers by as much as 90%.
A report released by the Pesticide Action Network North America and Commonweal finds that Americans can
experience up to 70 daily exposures to residues of a class of toxic chemicals
known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including such chemicals
as DDT and dioxin, through their diets. The report, "Nowhere to Hide: Persistent
Toxic Chemicals in the U.S. Food Supply," analyzes chemical residue data
collected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and finds persistent
chemical contaminants in ALL food groups. Exposure to POPs has been linked
to serious diseases and developmental disorders, including:
- Breast and other types of cancer
- Immune system suppression
- Nervous system disorders
- Reproductive damage
- Disruption of hormonal systems
Studies have shown that our animals are exposed to hundreds more toxins and at higher
rates than humans. Environmental toxins found inside and out, for example, polluted indoor air, chemical
household cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, routine vaccination and other drugs, including
flea and tick medications,
and heart worm preventives, and toxic pet food.
In animals, chronic conditions like skin itching and irritation, ear infections, epilepsy,
kidney and liver failure, and GI disturbances
(typically intermittent vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools) are often signs of a build up of toxins your pet's
body is no longer able to effectively deal with.
Effective Internal Detoxification is Essential
Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body must
eliminate toxins daily or we would die immediately. Since our environment
is more toxic today, our livers are over stressed with environmental toxins
to deal with daily. Processing other toxins, when the liver is stressed,
may be delayed. Detoxification is also a lifestyle change. For it is by
the way we live that determines our health and how our liver processes
toxins.
The benefit common to using one of the many detoxification therapies available
is that they all put the body, and especially its digestive tract, on vacation.
In other words, by cleansing the body of built-up poisons and not adding
more to the mix, we reduce the stress on the immune system and therefore
promote healing and good health. Specifically, advocates of detoxification
therapies claim increased vitality, reduced blood pressure and blood fats,
and improved assimilation of vitamins and minerals.
Jacqueline Krohn M.D "Detoxification is a normal body process
of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs,
lymph and skin. Internal detoxification is one of our body's most basic
automatic functions but in our world today, body systems and organs that
were once capable of cleaning out unwanted substances are now completely
overloaded; thus many unwanted substances stay in our tissues."
Our immune systems are under attack from toxic substances that are everywhere
- in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Serious
disease doesn't just happen. The accumulation of toxins compromises our
immune system and wears the body down leaving us vulnerable to all sorts
of maladies. The body has an amazing ability to recover from illness and
restore itself if we give it the tools to work with.
Related: How
to Detox My Body Effectively and Pain-Free
What Goes In Must Come Out
Modern lifestyle has taken its toll on our digestive and elimination organs.
Refined, processed, low fiber foods and animal fats, a lack of exercise and
an ever increasing level of stress have all contributed to our current gastro-intestinal
health crisis. According to the latest edition of The Merck Manual, the medical
industry's standard text for diagnosis and treatment of disease, almost 1/2 of American
adults over 50 have herniated pockets in their bowels which is called
Diverticulosis. Due to sluggish bowel movements, these "bowel pockets" fill
with old fecal material which can be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. This
can infect the entire body causing all types of toxic reactions.
A sluggish bowel can retain pounds of old, toxic and poisonous fecal matter.
Many times the real cause behind sickness and disease is this retention and
re-absorption of these toxic wastes. Is it any wonder that in 1992 the most common
cancer among men and women in the United States was Colon-Rectal? What is the
normal frequency of bowel movement in a healthy person? There has been a great
misconception among the public and most medical professionals on just what is
considered normal. For years, doctors have thought that once a day to, maybe
once a week was perfectly normal. Yet a study of more primitive people and people
living in the third world of nations tell us quite a different story. They eliminate
within 20 to 30 minutes following each meal. We believe "normal" is eliminating
once for every meal you eat, and we also find that we don't feel very good if
we don't.
Through the careful buying of organically produced veggies, avoiding foods
that contain preservatives and reducing your consumption of animal foods, you
can make a major change in your body's health. But if you don't clean out this
excessive waste build up, you've only done half the job and maybe even the wrong
half. The first step in anyones health program is to stimulate, clean, and tone
all the elimination organs, and the bowel is the best place to begin. You feel
better and you look at the life better. It's easier to tolerate life's little
problems and therefore you simply get along with your neighbors better. Maybe
we could have a better world just by giving all the bad guys a colonic?
Healing Detox Bath
When you languish in a mineralized colloidal clay bath, your body is
immersed in microscopic particles that transport nutrients to your skin
and helping to pull unhealthy metals, chemicals and toxins from your body
with a powerful ionic transdermal cleanse.
The negatively charged clay
particles attract the positively charged toxins and heavy metals very
effectively supporting the detoxifying process. A therapeutic clay bath
can revitalize personal energy, and restore your tranquility, stamina and spirit.
The therapeutic revitalization will stimulate immune system support as an
added benefit completing the rejuvenating experience.
Today we can experience these healing baths in the convenience
of our own home. Soaking in a bath with Montmorillonite clay is
the mineral hydrotherapy solution coveted by those who visit the most
celebrated health spas. A therapeutic clay bath is exceptionally
detoxifying and nourishing to the skin plus the cleansing benefits
of a clay bath are effective in ways that bath salts cannot be.
Fife, a nutritionist, naturopath, and co director of an alternative
health center, provides a comprehensive handbook of detoxification therapies,
including healthy nutrition, fasting, juicing, oxygen and heat therapies,
exercise, and kidney and liver cleansing. The best discussion I've seen
of the techniques and methods for removing the poisons that have accumulated
in the body, sprinkled with inspiring stories of people who have overcome
major health problems like cancer and heart disease by changing their diet
and cleaning their insides.
"Every day we are exposed to toxins in one form or another. We encounter
them in the air we breath, the food we eat, and the water we drink. The
environment is filled with natural and man made toxins. Even our own bodies
produce toxic metabolic waste.
Dr. Deal in this comprehensive holistic guide to wellness tells readers
how to be their own doctor first by taking personal responsibility for
their own health, how to choose a cleansing diet and how to prevent and
correct the underlying causes (deficiencies, toxicity, allergy, low thyroid
function, candidiasis, etc.) of stress, fatigue, depression, premature
aging, obesity, neck, back and joint stiffness and other common health
problems. How the medical establishment keeps patients sick and dependent
with drugs and by mismanaging the underlying causes and treatment of disease.
Healing affirmations to release any resistance to wellness and self-transformation. Dr. Deal
is a dedicated holistic doctor who teaches you what makes you sick and
how to correct it with natural methods, how to protect yourself from the
politics of medicine, and motivates you to succeed in your wellness program.
Raw Food Detox Diet
Raw food helps to detoxify the body by flushing
out these poisons and setting us back on a course toward greater energy,
clearer skin and shinier hair, and a slim, natural figure. But making the
transition to a raw diet too quickly can have negative effects on the body.
Instead, the healthier way is to make a gentle change based on your previous
diet and current needs. You do not conform to 'The Raw Food Detox Diet';
it conforms to you, and you choose how far you want to go. Whether you're looking to live an all raw
lifestyle, or just to improve your energy and shape while still eating
the foods you love, this groundbreaking diet book will energize and inspire
you to achieve your goals safely and easily.
Detoxification All You Need to Know to Recharge, Renew and Rejuvenate
Your Body, Mind and Spirit by Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D.
In this complete encyclopedia-guide of detailed instructions for detoxification
and cleansing, Dr. Page discusses why body cleansing is necessary in today's
world. She shows you: what you can expect when you detox; what a good cleanse
really does; how to direct a cleanse for best results. Also: Detailed detox
charts for special needs - Step by step instructions that guide the reader
through every detox program - Extensive "Green Cuisine" recipe section
- Materia Medica Detox herbal supplement directory with over 90 herbs.
The Link between Toxic Body and Obesity
Dr. Harper - "Toxic overload sets the stage for many health
challenges. The majority of the world's population cleanse for good health.
By following their example, we could be healthier and slimmer. After all,
cleansing is the key to permanent weight loss."
Kelly Brownell, PhD -America is overlooking the real cause of
its ever-expanding waistline. The problem isn't so much people's lack of
self-control, he said. It's a "toxic food environment."
Most people have become obsessed with food, never realizing that the
body is like a beautiful orchestra out of tune as a result of improper
eating and lifestyle habits that have contributed to a whole-body system
that is constipated and affixiated with yeast, parasites, chemicals andtoxins.
I have experienced out of pure necessity, first hand the transition from
a state of ill health to the euphoric state of good health through diet,
a diet of simply eating the healthy, cleansing foods that we should have
been eating all along.
Your body has naturally shed the excess pounds and healed itself many
times over and has effectively handled more illnesses and health challenges
than any drug. Your body, over time, is continually adjusting, recovering
and healing from some form of illness and/or injury. The body is continually
adapting to its ever-changing environment and lifestyle eating habits.
In fact, the body is a healer and is masterful at healing itself on its
own when provided the right cleansing and restorative foods at the right
time.
Toxins in the body obtained from commercial vegetables, fast foods,
breathing dirty air, drinking unpurified water, and the loss of natural
hormones contributes to weight gain, premature aging and nearly every age-related
health problem. Over-eating and consumption of the wrong types of
food also contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Without a nutritionally rich diet that nourishes and assists the body
in cleansing these substances from the body, the body will lose its strength
and vitality. The immune system will become suppressed, contributing to
an increase in illness, disease and excess body fat - a major killer in
America today. These chemicals and toxins accumulate over time, and cause
the liver and kidneys to become overworked and weak. Research has shown
that stress causes the adrenals to release excess cortisol, a stress hormone
that triggers over-indulgence in simple carbohydrates: chocolate, candy,
sodas, and ice cream, even when you are not hungry. Excess cortisol contributes
to hormone imbalances. 65% of the world's population cleanse on a regular
basis as part of their cultures.
The obesity epidemic: food policy, community design, toxic chemicals
and other environmental contributors. Regardless of their individual research
or practice area, every member of the Obesity Center recognizes that today's
"toxic environment" is a significant driver of the epidemic. Tackling
Obesity: A Toxic Environment
Could Detoxification be the Fountain of Youth?
By Natasha Lee
Dr. Alexis Carrel, of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research
performed an amazing experiment in the early 1900's. He managed to sustain
the life of cells from a chicken embryo by immersing it in a solution containing
all the nutrients necessary for life and changing the solution daily.
The cells took up nutrients from the nutrient-rich broth and excreted their
wastes into the same solution. The only thing Dr. Carrel did each day was
discard the old solution and replace it with fresh nutrient solution. The
chicken cells lived for 29 years until one night Dr. Carrel's assistant
forgot to change the polluted solution! We do not know how much longer
the cell's life could have been maintained.
Dr. Carrel concluded at the end of his experiment that the cell is actually
immortal. It is merely the fluid in which it floats which degenerates.
He is quoted saying "The cell is immortal, renew this fluid at intervals,
give the cell something on which to feed and, so far as we know, the pulsation
of life may go on forever." The average chicken lives about 7 years. His
detoxified, properly nourished chicken cell lived for 29 years.
It may be hard to believe that the a body could live indefinitely, however,
a similar level of vibrant health and life extension can be created in
humans by following the obvious similar principal.
Every cell in our body excretes waste material which becomes toxic,
and poisonous to our bodies if we allow it to build up faster than we renew
the fluid in which it floats. According to the above experiment, this is
the cause of aging and degeneration. Factors such as "time" and ideas such
as " that's just life" fade from the picture, with new data in view. The
fact is, every 7 years we have a completely new set of bones, teeth, skin
and hair. Logically, a person should be able to look and feel better than
they did 7 years ago by changing and improving the way they take care of
their own body as Dr. Carrel took care of his chicken cell.
Time alone is not a disease or poison, it is the toxins that accumulate
with time that the body cannot withstand and so deteriorates from. In other
words, time alone is not the cause of death. Poisons are the cause of death
of life forms.
So, logically and from the above data by detoxifying your cells a person can
freshen up and grow healthier and younger than they once were by practicing
this principle. Periodically detoxifying the body, drinking lots of fresh
water and staying smart on nutrition can appear to work miracles. Dr. Carrel
however proved these amazing results are not miracles, just good science.
Therapeutic Fasting for Detoxification
"I have no doubt in my mind that long fasts have the best results in
chronic ailments. But not many people have the time or inclination nor
the necessary grit and commitment to undertake such a fast. For those who
want to detoxify themselves fasting will go a long way in helping them to detoxify." Dr. Kiki Sidhwa, N.D., D.O., D.N.H.
Internal Cleansing - The first step in anyones health program is to clean
and open up all the elimination organs Weak and congested liver, gallbladder,
bowels or kidneys can be the cause of many chronic health problems by causing
toxic and putrid waste to be absorbed into the rest of our system. Over
the course of time, this effects the functioning of every cell and organ
in our body. It poisons the blood, lymphatic system, nervous system and
brain, while clogging up the heart, vascular system, lungs and sinuses."
"The best of all medicines are rest and fasting." -Benjamin Franklin
The Road To Better Health may begin with a Healing Crisis A
healing crisis is also known as the Herxheimer Reaction which
occurs when the body is detoxifying too rapidly and toxins
are being released faster than the body can eliminate them. As you move
toward better health with natural healing programs and better nutrition,
healing begins to occur. As part of the healing process the body will begin to discard
toxic residues which have built up in your body over the years. The healing
process usually does not occur without repercussions. During the initial
phase of healing, as your body begins to clean house, (detoxify) and your
vital energy begins to repair and rebuild internal organs, you may experience
headache, uneasiness, flu like symptoms and fatigue.
Dr. Mercola
- "Every act of every cell in the body produces waste.
This waste is poisonous, it is incompatible with the life of the cell..."
"The cells throw their waste into the lymph that carries it back to the
blood. The blood takes the waste to the excretory organs mentioned above
for elimination." "Normal elimination keeps the blood and lymph clean."
Detoxification Diets
Detoxification diets help the body to eliminate toxins in many ways.
First, natural vegetarian diets include the fiber needed for stimulating
good bowel eliminate. They also contain the proper amounts of vitamins
that feed and nourish the bowels and the liver, as well as other eliminative
organs. They also include a valuable source of enzymes since most vegetarian
diets are eaten raw. The elimination of meat from the diet for a short
period enhances detoxification because meat is so difficult to digest and
requires many enzymes for its digestion. Therefore, vegetarian diets are
cleansing diets and aid the body in elimination of toxins.
Of course, changing diets and lifestyle is easier said than done for
some people. Many people want health and will go to any length to improve
their health, including dietary changes. But there are others who do not
want to change their life style for anything. These people will be difficult
to motivate and will not stick with the detox programs for one day. They
may not want to give up their sodas, or their cigarettes, their beer or
their coffee. They may make a few changes, like drinking more water,
or they may give up completely in a very short notice. Our way of eating
has been cultivated over many years and will not change over night. But
to those who do want better health and do not want to rely on pills/drugs
for their existence, nutritional changes will be welcomed, especially when
they start feeling better and having more energy.
Diets are very important and are usually the basis for any detox program,
whether it is herbs, cleansing or other detox programs.[i] Detox diets
will generally eliminate trigger foods, which may cause many problems with
digestion and elimination. Foods like wheat (glutens) and dairy (milk,
cheese) are often the cause of allergies. Sugar is eliminated because of its “empty calories” and
tendency to produce hypoglycemia. Meats are eliminated because they may
contain hormones, antibiotics and are difficult to digest. Caffeine is
wise to avoid, since it has many ill effects on the body’s digestion. Refined,
processed and junk foods are also out for any detox program to work.
Herbal Detoxification
Generic diets for detoxification are good, but may not stimulate the
liver, lungs or the kidneys as much as one would like. Therefore, herbal
cleanses are indicated when we want to hone our cleanse to a “sharp edge”
and be organ specific. Of course, herbs are foods too and provide one with
vitamins, minerals and enzymes for excellent nutrition. Herbs are powerful,
because they may be combined together to fortify those herbs that aid specific
organs. For example, herbal combinations that aid the liver may be found
in many organic food stores. The list below shows how herbal combinations
help the various organs.
Skin Cleansing
Detoxification should include some type of skin cleansing, because our
skin it one of our best eliminative organs. Heavy metals are actually released
through the skin's pores when we sweat. Sauna baths and steam rooms are
great for removing toxins from the skin and regenerating one's health and
energy. It has been documented that our skins sweat glands when combined
can perform as much detoxification as one (or both) kidneys. Therefore,
it is very important to support our skin for detoxification to be maximal.
If our kidneys are damaged, then helping the skin will help the kidneys
... indirectly, but effectively.
Good skin care is in order, if ones health is to benefit, also. Using
chemicalized skin care products is not wise, even though they are cheaper.
These chemicals may be absorbed into our circulation and provide more toxins
for our liver to deal with. We are not made out of cast iron, and
even the chemicals in our soaps and shampoos will make a difference with
our health. Most people do not see the ill effects of these subtle chemicals,
because their liver is able to metabolize them. But, individuals who are
environmentally toxic will see a great change in their health when
using natural soaps and shampoos. We should take their advice and use only natural
skin care products also.
Cleansing our skin is rather simple. First, we need to bathe daily using
natural soaps. Then we need to care for the skin by using only natural
oils and products of natural origin. Even the clothes we wear can make
a big difference in our health. Synthetic fibers do not absorb sweat (toxins),
while natural fibers, like cotton, will absorb toxins. Dry skin brushing
helps in removing the outer dead skin layers and keeps the pores open.
Another good method of skin brushing is with vigorous toweling off after
bathing. Towel roughly until the skin is slightly red. Change towels often
because they will contain toxins.
Good skin care also requires good nutrition.[ii] Since our skin is mainly
fat, we need high quality fats and oil from natural sources to give our
skin health. Butter and olive oil are two excellent natural oils, which
keep the skin in good condition. As always, the fats/oils should be natural... only.
Conclusion:
Detoxification may produce symptoms of headaches, nausea, malaise and
vomiting due to the toxins being released. If this occurs, one should back off the program and proceed
slowly. Proceeding to fast with detoxification can have disastrous results
when toxins are released into the circulation. Our body should be primed
and ready to eliminate toxins before they are released. We do this by getting
the bowels working, keeping the skin clean and getting the kidneys and
lungs operating. Only by having all organs of elimination in proper
operating order can our body begin to dump toxins efficiently and maximally.
Keeping the skin clean and healthy is of prime importance also.
Detoxification is essential for good health to exist. Our body must
eliminate toxins daily or we would die immediately. Since our environment
is more toxic today, our livers are over stressed with environmental toxins
to deal with daily. Processing other toxins, when the liver is stressed,
may be delayed. Detoxification is also a lifestyle change. For it is by
the way we live that determines our health and how our liver processes
toxins. Detoxification is easy if we eat a wholesome natural organic diet
and live life in a natural way. But for those who want their cake and eat
it too, detoxification may be compromised. A change your lifestyle may
be needed and detoxification will be forthcoming. Nature has afforded us
the chance to live in a toxic environment and not be affected by it. Of
course, we have to live right to get that chance. Without detoxification
we may not get a second chance.
Good health is within our reach, but first we
must cleanse this “temple” and eat a wholesome
natural diet that provides us with maximal nutrients
and fiber. Herbs can help us stimulate the liver,
lungs, kidneys and bowels when needed, but diet is
the first priority in any detoxification program.
Don’t become overly dependent on herbal laxatives.
When toxins are released one may feel bad for a day
or two, but when our good health is restored we will
have renewed energy and will “soar on the wings of an eagle”. Many people living today have
er known what good health “feels” like.
They survive with an abundance of toxins and an existence less than healthy.
Good health is not hard to find, but does require diligence and life
style changes which are compatible with toxin elimination. Sir Jason
Winters Says, “Death begins in the colon.” With good toxin elimination
through natural detoxification programs our health and energy are restored.
[i]. “The Best Way to Detox,” Jill Ruttenberg, Natural Health, Oct 1999, p 88-92, 152.
[ii]. Aubrey Hampton, Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care, 1987, Organica Press, Tampa, FL 33614
[iii]. Harold Loomis, DC, Enzymes: The Key to Health, Vol 1, The Fundamentals, 1999, 21st Century Nutrition, Madison, WI
[iv]. Anthony J Cichoke, DC, Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy, 1994, Keats Publishing, Inc, New Canaan, CT.
[v]. Ibid, p 148